NAIOP Real Estate Excellence Awards joins fight against children's cancer

TORONTO, March 1, 2012 /CNW/ - An organization committed to raising funds for children with cancer will get a boost at next week's 11^th Annual NAIOP Real Estate Excellence (REX) Awards. The awards gala, which takes place March 7 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and is organized by The Greater Toronto Chapter of NAIOP, recognizes outstanding achievements in the commercial real estate industry.

At the event a donation will be made through a raffle to Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation, Canada's only national charity devoted to fighting childhood cancer. A voluntary organization in which 100% of proceeds go directly to the cause, it raises funds through such events as a cross-Canada cycling tour from Vancouver to Halifax. Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation has raised $25 million since 2007.

"Child cancer is a huge problem and is underfunded," says Steven Sokolowski, a volunteer with the organization. "We have 10,000 kids in Canada with cancer. Every year 2,000 people under the age of 17 get cancer and the rates are increasing."

While the organization focuses strictly on pediatric oncology, any breakthroughs with cancer for young people have obvious benefits for adult cancer.

Peter Cook will receive the Community Service Award at next week's NAIOP Real Estate Excellence (REX) Awards. Cook, who is Senior Vice President at Cushman & Wakefield Ltd., is being recognized for his volunteer work with Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation and Community Living Toronto, an organization that assists adults who have intellectual disabilities.

"These two organizations are linked by a common thread in that people born with an intellectual disability and children who fall victim to cancer represent innocent victims," Cook says. "That is why I got involved with them."

The Greater Toronto Chapter of NAIOP has over 800 members and is the leading, commercial, real estate association in the city. The third largest of 54 international NAIOP chapters, it represents commercial real estate developers, as well as owners and investors of office, industrial, retail and mixed-use properties.

The 11^th Annual NAIOP Real Estate Excellence (REX) Awards is the premier event for the office, industrial and mixed-use, real estate industry in the GTA. The March 7 gala will recognize 'Best of the Year' teams in six award categories, along with individual awards. Tickets are still available for 10-seat Platinum Tables and 10-seat Corporate Tables, along with Individual and Developing Leaders Gala Tickets.

About NAIOP Greater Toronto Chapter

Founded in 1977, the Greater Toronto Chapter of NAIOP has become the premier "meeting place" for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial and mixed-use real estate. NAIOP's burgeoning membership represents a diverse and influential mix of the industry's top companies and top performers.

The association's mission is to serve members by providing a program of regular, high-quality information and education opportunities and a series of networking and recognition events. In doing so, NAIOP Greater Toronto Chapter provides opportunities for members to converse with peers, industry leaders and innovative thinkers.

Constance Wrigley-Thomas, CAE
CAE - Executive Director
NAIOP Greater Toronto Chapter
Tel:  [phone] or (cell) 289-259-9623
Email:  [email protected]